bradpattison.com

A common issue I am finding with many dog owners who have aquired two dogs either as siblings or puppy mates: IT IS VERY DIFFICULT!.

I advise clients not to get a second dog until the first one is 3 years of age, as they have now reached mental maturity. The reason for this, is it is very stressful and completely inappropriate to expect a puppy to raise a puppy. I often hear the excuses, ‘my dog needs a buddy because he or she is alone in the house…’. That is hog wash! What needs to be addressed is socialization. This is a need that must be fulfilled. Dogs need to meet and socialize with many other dogs and have that social network which includes different breeds and ages.
Quite often, the older dogs becomes aggressive when those dogs are forced to take on our responsibility of raising and teaching the second puppy. We as humans need to be accountable for raising our dogs to the best of our ability and supporting their needs.

At the expense of your heart, that many of you wear on your sleeve, it is completely unfair to expect a puppy to raise a puppy. I have attached some questions I receive to better understand what the future looks like for those of you who do not take this advice.